Samsung patent shows dual-camera tracking feature

2016 was a breakthrough-year for the dual-camera concept on smartphones, with several models being launched. Notably the largest manufacturer of Android smartphones, Samsung, has so far not participated in the dual-camera game. This appears to be changing however, as a patent application has been filed with the South Korean Patent Office suggests that the tech giant is at least considering smartphone models with dual-cameras. The patent suggests that the phone would feature two different focal lengths, similar to what we have already seen on the LG G5 or Apple iPhone 7 Plus.

The patent application is for a specific dual-camera feature that allows for tracking a moving subject with the preview-image of the wide-angle lens and then capturing it larger in the frame with the tele-lens. In the images included in the patent application the frame lines of the tele-image are superimposed onto the wide-angle image, which should make it easier to follow a fast moving subject.

As usual, there is no way of knowing if the concept will ever make it into a final product but the system certainly looks possible to implement with current technologies. We probably should not expect a dual-cam in Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S8 flagship but after the Galaxy Note 7 disaster the Korean manufacturer could certainly do with a stand-out feature in one of its next models to recover lost market share.

Comments

Very funny, the exploding Smartphone jokes. Please keep it up, and never mind that we've heard them ten million times before. So refreshing and original, truly. Please do post a couple more before your parents turn your WiFi off.

Let's not get too excited. The first patent from Samsung describing a telephoto plus wide angle lens taking photos at the same time on a mobile communication device, dates back to 2006. That's over 10 years ago. Sure, we could see these now with software features as described above, but...

Samsung have lost lot of customers support in recent years, first they backed out of their collaboration with Pentax in favour of their own native Mirrorless mount. Then closed their Camera Division down after launching several very good cameras and some impressive lenses. Then the debacle over the new Note mobiles has done nothing to fuel customer confidence or trust. Which is a shame as i liked their NX1 and almost swapped systems before they bailed.

Interesting concept. Many sensors vs big single sensor will be similar to multi core at lower clock vs single core at higher clock. One day we'll have small devices making decent pictures. But not now.

No, if you put many different lenses in front of the sensors and process the inputs with a powerful engine. Also the individual sensors could be used for different purposes, like huawei does with the b&w one.

Since Samsung have lately become the market leader in the PED (personal explosive device) market, is this really the right step for them to take? What are they going to do to make sure these cameras don't explode until you want them to? I think this is foremost on everyone's mind.

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